Disclaimer: I do not own CSI.

AN: I was going to just skip to 'Bloodlines', but... well, see, I have no self-control.


I feel myself grinning as I leave the lab. Seven months without a date, and finally, finally I'm going out. And it's been nine months since I've actually been looking forward to a date. One of the unfortunate side-effects of allowing my sister to set me up. Tonight, though, I'm excited. Chris sparked something in me that I haven't felt in ages, and I can't wait to explore that feeling.

When I was called in early in the morning to investigate the Trent's deaths, I wasn't in the best of moods. Seeing Sara pop a cough drop in her mouth every minute did nothing to improve my temper. Thank God Jim talked to her- she wouldn't have listened to me.

Then, there was Grissom. If he had just done the damn evaluation on time… the shift had already been shot to hell before he showed up. Discussing the check I cashed from Sam… Good God, I think someone was hell-bent on fucking with my life.

Meeting Chris made me re-evaluate my opinion of the shift from hell. It had still been downright miserable, but I could say that I had gotten something out of it. It was almost worth being called in just after I fell asleep.

A flash of movement catches my eye. My grin widens, and I walk towards Sara. She looks up at me, and for a moment, she looks confused. As if I'm a piece of evidence she can't quite figure out. Then comprehension flickers in her eyes, and she forces herself to smile.

I almost miss a step walking forward. What's wrong? I know she's figured it out- why does she have a problem with me going out on a date? She's acting like nothing's wrong. The only reason for that would be if something actually is wrong.

"Ah… I think I'm underdressed. Where exactly are we going to dinner, Cat?"

Oh, fuck. I completely forgot about that. When we first greeted each other at the scene, I asked her if she wanted to go to dinner after we finished the case up. With everything that happened later with Grissom and Chris… How could I have forgotten?

I clamp my eyes shut, not wanting to see the disappointment in hers. I hear her walking towards me.

"The nightclub manager, right? I take it that's not just a rumor, then?"

"Word travels fast." I wince at my bland reply. Can't I think of anything useful to say? Like, 'sorry for being a complete bitch and forgetting that I had already made plans with you'?

"Well, I guess there's no point in me leaving work. See you tomorrow, Catherine."

I can't even say anything as she walks back into the lab. Damn it.

Way to go, Cath.